Interview With NYCO Technical & Sales Manager Arnaud Radigue
Esters are not just base fluids; they are the driving force behind next-generation high-performance lubrication technologies. With proven expertise across demanding applications, from high-temperature systems to environmentally sensitive environments, NYCO showcases the technical excellence of synthetic esters on a global scale. Offering key advantages such as thermo-oxidative stability, low volatility, friction reduction, and enhanced energy efficiency, NYCO esters are reshaping traditional lubrication while actively contributing to sustainability targets.
But is performance the only advantage esters bring? In our interview with NYCO Technical & Sales Manager Arnaud Radigue, we explore the wider horizon from food-contact lubricants to e-mobility and data center cooling, along with future-shaping R&D and eco-conscious formulations. Dive into this exclusive interview to uncover the full potential of synthetic esters.
What are NYCO’s key ester properties and their top-performing applications, especially in demanding areas such as high-temperature chains and food-grade lubricants?
NYCO specializes in the design and commercialization of synthetic esters for performance lubrication. They may be used as base fluids, co-base fluids or additives. The key performance features of our products are thermo-oxidative stability, cleanliness in operation, low volatility and fire safety, friction reduction and energy efficiency, but also lower environmental impact. Additionally, some of our esters are approved for use in lubricants that may incidentally come in contact with food.
NYCO esters are particularly suitable in any application exposing lubricants to very high temperatures, such as high-temperature chains or compressors, but they may also be used as booster components in engine oils, transmission and gear oils. Environmentally sensitive applications and food-processing lubrication are also areas where esters prove to be a very precious technology.
What are the tangible advantages of your ester-based solutions for end users?
Benefits of using synthetic esters in lubricating formulations are well documented. First, they extend lubricants lifetimes very significantly. They also promote cleanliness and combat fouling and deposit formation, thus helping reduce maintenance operations. In use, they contribute to reducing friction and improving energy efficiency. This translates into reduced energy consumption. Finally, synthetic esters may be used to formulate food grade or environmentally acceptable lubricants, with no compromise on performance.
But the benefits of synthetic esters are not only technical: they also contribute to reducing carbon emissions thanks to extended lubricants lifetimes, lower energy consumption and fewer maintenance operations.
NYCO’s synthetIc esters delIver exceptIonal thermal stabIlIty and energy effIcIency, makIng them Ideal for harsh workIng condItIons, such as hIgh temperatures. They enhance oIl longevIty, cut maIntenance needs, and help reduce carbon emIssIons.
What international standards guide your ester development, and how does NYCO ensure compliance with REACH, ISO, and other key regulations?
Can you elaborate on the NYCO Environmentally Acceptable synthetic esters?
As stated above, synthetic esters provide a much higher level of performance than mineral base fluids: they much better resist oxidation, ensure a high degree of cleanliness in operation, reduce volatility, improve fire safety, and reduce friction. They generally show a high level of stability, for a long time. Additionally, they may be biodegradable so will have a limited impact on environment. Nycobase EL series is a line of esters that complies with the requirements of the European Ecolabel and may be used directly in formulations meant to be certified.
NYCO esters comply wIth major global standards, IncludIng REACH, ISO, European Ecolabel, VIDA, and food-grade certIfIcatIons. The bIodegradable Nycobase EL serIes delIvers hIgh performance, whIle R&D efforts focus on lowerIng carbon footprInt and advancIng ester technology for e-mobIlIty and data center coolIng.
How does NYCO approach R&D in ester technology, and can you share examples of recent innovations or specialized projects?
One of the drivers for innovation has been to reduce the product carbon footprint of our esters, by working with our suppliers and designing new biobased chemical structures: it is the notion of eco-conception.
Also, the electrification of our economy has been a major area of focus: esters do deliver added performance in e-axle fluids or battery cooling fluids. Similarly, they may be considered for immersion cooling in data centres, as their ability to dissipate heat, electrically insulate and provide fire safety make them unique products.
